The Golden Spiders (Nero Wolfe)

What make the Nero Wolfe mysteries so great, in my opinion, is that they not only provide a neat, perplexing problem for the reader to try to solve, but they also feature interesting characters, unexpected plot twists, superb dialogue, and more. I particually like Golden Spiders because the premise is so unique. Also recommended:The Long Goodbye--another great mystery--the kind they just don't write anymore.

The action begins in the brownstone, (where else?) Nero has just thrown a tantrum over his meal and Archie has decided to teach him yet another lesson. We are treated to Nero coping with both a child and a grieving mother as he solves the case. All the familiar characters come out to play: Fritz and Theodore; Cramer and Stebbins; Saul, Orrie and Fred. Is this great literature to ponder? - absolutely not! This is strictly for fun, yet another entry in a long running series. A perfect way to spend an lazy afternoon escaping to New York of the 1950's, getting a few peeks into life at the brownstone and enjoying the on going battles between Nero and the world.

This book is a bit of a departure for the Nero Wolfe series. Usually these are character driven books-there can be a distinct lack of action in what is admittedly a more cerebral series than is the norm in this genre. However, this book features a very complex plot with a multitude of characters and lots of actions. And, while character may indeed take a rare second place to plot, the fact is the characters are all nevertheless well developed and intriguing in their own right, so nothing is lost on that score.Moreover, it is a genuine classic Nero Wolfe story in that the interplay between Wolfe and his intrepid assistant-Archie Goodwin is as good as it gets in the series. The story also makes use of the full ledger of periodic regulars to the series, another plus.All in all it adds up to a great story and one of the best books in this large series of work. A great read from a great series. If you like Wolfe, you MUST read this one.

One of the most enjoyable and relaxing events in life is to take a break from everything and fall into a Nero Wolfe mystery (only Agatha Christie beats it for sheer pleasure). They are not overly complicated as to be challenging with just enough twists and turns as to be diverting and no more. The humour is always a delight without overwhelming the slender plot. Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin are delightful creations and their relationship is both quite odd and yet quite enjoyable in its uniqueness. The Golden Spiders is, perhaps, not the best Nero Wolfe mystery but this very quick and easy read will do the job. A little bubble bath for the mind.

The complex plot, the funny dialogs, and the interesting characters make this book, in my opinion, the best of the Nero Wolfe Series.